15 June 2009

[CLOSED] Zuzu Ramen

JAPAN

[UPDATE: CLOSED]

When word of an excellent ramen shop opening in Brooklyn's Park Slope got to me, I was immediately skeptical, wondering how such a thing could be possible. Luckily Zuzu hides a bit from trendy 5th Avenue and finds it home down on more industrial looking 4th.

The interior is warm and welcoming, somewhat of a Park Slope version of a ramen shop, but well done nonetheless. It feels good to grab one of the stools and all the tables retain the height and feel of sitting at a counter.

All the rage has been for the green curry miso ramen ($10, above), which I ordered without really paying much attention to the other items for now. The bowl is loaded with equal portions vegetable and noodles, and I actually found that my noodles were gone very quickly. This was a shame simply because they were excellent, tasting homemade and wonderfully chewy. The broth was not spicy at first, but by the end of the meal my mouth was pleasantly tingling. The piece of charshu in the bowl was probably the highlight of the dish, succulent as anything you will put in your mouth. The egg does not do much for me except thicken up the broth a little...

The hot & sour ramen ($11, above) is a watered-down version of Thai tom yum soup, and does not have much to add to the restaurant. The noodles are still the same, but the broth is borderline dull, while the soup is full of tomatoes and light on actual shrimp. Interestingly enough, the dish is listed as a vegetarian option!

I'll definitely be back to have the green curry miso again, and to try the house special ramen. It is nice to know that a ramen option exists in downtown Brooklyn now!